Day 3 - Reconciliation 

What does it mean to be reconciled? We read in Genesis that God created man in perfect unity and relationship with Him. After the fall, sin became the root of separation between God and us, but there is good news. God, in all His Glory, power, and might, did not leave us to our own devices but has revealed his redemption plan through Christ Jesus.

God desires to reconcile us to Himself, and He also provides us with the opportunity to be reconciled to each other. Has someone ever offended you where the relationship needs reconciliation? 

Paul wrote a letter to Philemon attempting to reconcile him to Onesimus, a runaway slave who came into contact with Paul and became a Christian. This letter aims to restore a relationship between Christ-followers and receive one another as brothers in the faith. 

We get hurt in relationships but also get healed in relationships. 

If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! We used to be slaves to sin, caught up in the changing patterns of this world, but we have been set free from sin, and become slaves to righteousness, put in right standing with God. 

Unforgiveness is a hindrance; it can lock us away from truly experiencing all that God has for us. Paul knew that the key to restoration in the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus was this forgiveness.

We may be caught in offense because of something someone said or did. Philemon could have remained offended by Onesimus' action towards him; instead, he chose to love and extend grace. This is a beautiful illustration of the ministry of reconciliation. When we too were once in error and sin, Christ paid the price for redemption and reconciled us to God the father. 

If someone comes to mind that you need to reconcile with, whether it's God, a family member, or a friend, take a moment to pray this Prayer. 

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of reconciliation. You have shown us how to love others, help us to love and forgive as you have, give us the wisdom to steward relationships with people as we open our hearts to receive one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. 

In Jesus Name

Amen